Leicester0 - 4Brentford

Leicester took positives from their hard-fought display in a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal, but any confidence built from that performance was quashed by a shambolic first period at the King Power Stadium.

Brentford raced into a three-goal lead without having to move into top gear, as the Bees took full advantage of the home side's feeble defensive effort.

Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo added to their respective tallies, before Christian Norgaard headed home a third to effectively wrap up all three points and send some sections of the home support to the exits with over 10 minutes to play before the interval.

Those that remained in their seats would have been relieved to see Keane Lewis-Potter's effort ruled for handball, offering the smallest of mercies to Leicester in a forgettable first half.

Brentford hit cruise control for the majority of the second period, but they still managed to add a fourth through Fabio Carvalho to condemn Leicester to a sixth consecutive home defeat without scoring, leaving them in 19th place and two points adrift of safety.

While the pressure mounts on Ruud van Nistelrooy, Brentford boss Thomas Frank will be delighted with the fact his team have won four consecutive away games, moving them into the top half of the table.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

This felt like the type of performance that forces a club to seriously consider their manager's future, especially as Van Nistelrooy has now overseen 10 defeats in 11 Premier League matches.

The Leicester boss would have been bitterly disappointed about how easily his side were opened up in a disastrous first half, but in truth, their defensive fragility has been a major problem throughout the campaign.

From Brentford's perspective, they were efficient in the attacking third and were resolute enough at the opposite end of the pitch, although they will be aware that they will not have many easier tests than this between now and the end of the season.

The challenge for Brentford now is to build upon back-to-back victories by putting together a winning run of form which could put them into contention for European qualification.

LEICESTER CITY VS. BRENTFORD HIGHLIGHTS

Wissa goal vs. Leicester (17th min, Leicester 0-1 Brentford)

Leicester are the architects of their own downfall. The Foxes lose possession in their own half, before Caleb Okoli fails to deal with Mikkel Damsgaard's through ball. Wissa capitalists on Leicester's slack defending, sending a left-foot shot into the ground and past the helpless Mads Hermansen.

Mbeumo goal vs. Leicester (27th min, Leicester 0-2 Brentford)

It's all too easy for the Bees. Mbeumo collects Damsgaard's pass before being given the time and space to cut inside onto his favoured left foot and curl the ball into the far corner to send the away end into raptures as the home support voiced their displeasure with what they were seeing from their side.

Norgaard goal vs. Leicester (32nd min, Leicester 0-3 Brentford)

Mbeumo adds an assist to his goal. The Cameroon international whips a free-kick onto the head of Norgaard, who steers his header past Hermansen to give the Bees an unassailable lead.

Carvalho goal vs. Leicester (89th min, Leicester 0-4 Brentford)

Carvalho caps off a superb evening for the visitors. Hermansen makes a strong save to deny Mbeumo, but his teammates fail to clear from the rebound. The ball ultimately breaks for Carvalho to drive home his second league goal of the season.

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRYAN MBEUMO

Damsgaard pips a couple of his teammates to our Man of the Match award after playing an integral role in a perfect away performance for the Bees.

The 25-year-old provided two assists in a commanding performance in which he showcased his creative talents to open up a creaking Leicester backline.

Wissa also deserves a notable mention for his goal as well as Mbeumo, who registered a goal and an assist in a successful night's work.

LEICESTER CITY VS. BRENTFORD MATCH STATS

Possession: Leicester 47%-53% Brentford

Shots: Leicester 8-14 Brentford

Shots on target: Leicester 3-6 Brentford

Corners: Leicester 5-6 Brentford

Fouls: Leicester 10-10 Brentford

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

After enjoying another successful away trip, Brentford will now return for two games at the Gtech Community Stadium against Everton and Aston Villa.

As for the Foxes, they will turn their focus to an away clash against West Ham United, before they head into a tricky run of fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool.

Written by

Ben Sully